If you are an active SAG-AFTRA member facing hardship due to the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, the SAG Foundation, SAG Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund and the AFTRA Foundation are here to help.

The SAG Foundation has provided initial funding through a $100,000 contribution that is being matched by the SAG MPPWF and $50,000 from the AFTRA Foundation for a total available amount of $250,000. Grants are being administered to SAG-AFTRA members by The Actors Fund through a confidential and streamlined process aimed at aiding members quickly and effectively.

Communities have been hit hard by Sandy. Many members have lost their homes or have been without heat and electricity, so need is great. New Yorker Jane Curtin and SAG Foundation Board and SAG-AFTRA National Board member Ron Perlman are backing the effort, and encouraging fellow members to donate. With additional donations, there can be a much greater impact and many more people can be helped.

Members are eligible to apply if they are currently active and have paid their dues through the May 2012 billing cycle and can apply by contacting The Actors Fund intake services directly at:

Can you lend a helping hand? The SAG Foundation is accepting donations directed to the Superstorm Sandy Emergency Assistance Fund from individuals and corporate donors who may wish to help provide relief to hard-hit SAG-AFTRA members in the affected areas. Contributions may be made by clicking this link.

If you need help, ask. If you can help, give. We’re all in this together.

The Actors FundThe Actors Fund NY office, (212) 221-7300 ext. 119, is available to assist SAG-AFTRA members in the tri-state area affected by Hurricane Sandy. SAG-AFTRA members can also call The Actors Fund LA office at (323) 933-9244 ext. 455 or The Actors Fund Chicago office at (312) 372-0989. Visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter for additional updates, and visit their blog here.

Union Plus Disaster Relief GrantsAs part of the Union Plus Union SAFE programs designed to assist union members, the Disaster Relief Grant is able to help those with a Union Plus Credit Card, Union Plus Mortgage or Union Plus Insurance policy who are facing financial hardship due to a natural disaster. The money does not have to be repaid.

Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to help eligible participants in the Union Plus Credit Card, Insurance or Mortgage programs who are facing financial hardship due to the disaster. The money does not have to be repaid. Funds are limited to the nearly $370,000 available in the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund.

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, millions have been left without power, lives have been upended, billions of dollars of damage has occurred and, most distressing of all, lives have been lost. We are saddened by the devastation caused by this record-setting storm, and the impact it has had on the lives of so many people. Our hearts go out to our fellow members and fellow citizens in the affected areas and we send our best wishes for their safety and care during this unfortunate time.

Although the dangerous conditions surrounding this storm have forced closures of some SAG-AFTRA local offices, including our New York offices, we want you to know your union is here for you during this difficult time. Check the website for information about closures and any event scheduling affected by the storm, or call SAG-AFTRA’s toll-free line at (855) 724-2387 for other questions and concerns.

We look forward to calmer times and receding waters all along the East Coast and hope to see you at SAG-AFTRA events very soon. Take care and stay safe.

United Way Sandy Recovery Fund: Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia to address hurricane recovery needs in communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas. Text RECOVERY to 52000 to make a $10 donation (standard data and messaging rates may apply). https://donate.unitedwaynyc.org/page/contribute/uwsandyrecovery

The Met Council: Text the word SUSTAIN to 20222 and reply YES to make a $10 donation directly to Met Council. You can also easily make your gift online (www.metcouncil.org). Items that are most needed at this time include kosher food, water, toiletries, new towels, new coats, paper towels, gloves, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies.

Food Bank of NYC: The warehouse is located at Hunts Point Cooperative Market, 355 Food Center Drive Bronx, NY 10474. Phone: 718.991.4300. They need volunteers at their warehouse.

Island Harvest: If you would like to donate, please call the Emergency Food Collections Center at 631-873-4775.

Emergency Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)DUA is available to residents of Atlantic County, Cape May County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County and Union County.http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/ui_index.html

Union Plus $500 GrantsUnion Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to help participants in the Union Plus Credit Card, Insurance or Mortgage programs who are facing financial hardship because of recent severe weather. www.unionplus.org/sandy